Summer's gone but it's left loads of young people switched on to sport and exercise thanks to a sterling effort by borough fitness experts who have shown that the gym's in! During the six weeks of the summer holidays Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's (WLCT) Active Life Services offered a gilt-edged deal to youngsters aged 14 to 16 by giving them use of the swish Profiles health and fitness suites at knock-down prices.

The Silver Six pass offered young people unlimited use of the facilities at the Trust-run leisure centres at Wigan International Pool, Ashton, Howe Bridge Sports Centre and Robin Park, for just £20.

If that wasn't enough, the Active Life team also offered a further incentive for young people to sign. Everyone who applied for a Silver Six pass was given the chance to become even more active by being entered into a free draw to win a top flight mountain bike. Standish cycle fan Adam Tadewsiak, 14, was the lucky Silver Six pass holder whose name was pulled out of the hat to win the bike. A delighted Adam was on hand at Wigan Pool recently to pick up his prize. In total more than 100 young people took advantage of the Silver Six promotion and the Active Life team are delighted with its success.

Wigan International Pool manger Stephen Colclough said: "It was a great promotion that proved to be very popular with young adults across the borough, but it doesn't end there. "The facility to train within the Profiles Health Suites is still available for youngsters from 14-years-old to under 16's who, with a Linc card, can train for as little as £14.50 a month or £100 for a year."

While Wigan Council Cabinet Member for Culture Cllr Brian Baldwin described the uptake as 'encouraging' saying that young people becoming more interested in fitness and sport was a benefit to the entire community. He said: "I'm sure many parents across the borough must have been delighted with this initiative which has given young people something worthwhile and meaningful to do during the long summer break. "The Active Life Services team is to be congratulated for a successful scheme. It's not just about fitness though, the team has engaged with young adults and provided them with a safe, healthy exercise opportunity. It's given young people the chance to learn new skills and build confidence and we have seen a lot of interaction between different age groups of children all enjoying the facilities. Importantly it has given young people a place to go and something to do. They are often, quite wrongly, painted as disaffected and intent on causing mischief when they are on the street but Active Life has given them an alternative."

For more information on applying for a Linc card to use the Profiles facilities contact your nearest leisure centre.

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Notes to Editors

For more information contact Wigan International Pool Centre Manager Stephen Colclough on 01942 827662.